Sabinsa’s beetroot extract sprouts success in safety study of older population

26 Jul 2024 --- Nutraceutical specialist Sabinsa conducted a preliminary study analyzing the safety, tolerability and health benefits of daily supplementation of its Sabeet beetroot extract in older adults and found it well tolerated. The study was carried out in collaboration with the researchers of the Food and Nutrition Institute of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“This is the first study on the standardized extract Sabeet where it has been evaluated for its potential benefits related to improving insulin sensitivity, beta cell function, metabolic health, and safety in a geriatric population,” Shaheen Majeed, global CEO and managing director of The Sami-Sabinsa Group, tells Nutrition Insight.

Participants were randomly assigned 20 g of Sabeet or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. Anthropometric, biochemical and hemodynamic parameters were evaluated to assess its safety and tolerability.

“This preliminary study was conducted to underscore the safety and tolerability of Sabeet, but we are pleased to see the benefits it indicated as well. These findings align with our commitment to providing scientifically backed, safe and effective dietary supplements. Sabinsa extends its gratitude to the team in the Food and Nutrition Institute for their collaboration in this study, and we look forward to continuing collaboration,” says Majeed.

Improvement in insulin sensitivity
Twelve older people aged 60 and above participated in the study, which was published in the Nutrients journal. The supplementation was well tolerated and accepted by the participants and no serious adverse incidents were reported. 

Plasma nitrate levels significantly increased, and the researchers observed a trend of improvement in insulin sensitivity in the group receiving beetroot extract. However, most of the participants’ blood biomarkers, including hemodynamic and anthropometric variables, were not significantly changed either. 

The standardized beetroot extract positively impacted their glycemic metabolism markers. This suggests potential health benefits from the use of beetroot extract. However, the researchers say further long-term studies are necessary to confirm the findings and provide evidence for using beetroot extract for glycemic support.

“The product contains a standardized optimum level of natural nitrate, offering significant cardiovascular benefits, particularly for the elderly population. Unlike many supplements derived from roots, which often contain high levels of heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, Sabeet maintains exceptionally high quality without such risk,” Majeed explains.

“This is achieved through a risk-based manufacturing approach that prioritizes safety and purity. Rigorous testing ensures that the final product is free from harmful heavy metals, making it safe for long-term use. The production process of Sabeet involves meticulous control measures to ensure that each batch is consistent in its active ingredient content, providing reliable health benefits with every dose.”’

The rigorous testing protocols in the clinical trial included comprehensive evaluations of biochemical and hemodynamic parameters, which show that the product meets safety standards and delivers the intended health benefits.

According to the scientists, interest in developing beetroot-based products with potential beneficial effects on human health has increased exponentially. Beetroot supplements have been recommended to promote cardiovascular health, with research showing that their intake increases the bioavailability of nitric oxide, reduces systolic blood pressure and improves endothelial function.

Aging has been associated with a reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide and a high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. According to the researchers, innovation in developing powdered vegetable-based food supplements makes it easier to ingest bioactive compounds.

Sabeet can improve cardiovascular function with enhanced bioavailability of dietary nitrates, improve metabolic health with improved insulin sensitivity and beta cells function in the pancreas. Majeed notes: “Sabeet can be potential dietary support for managing healthy blood sugar levels as well as preventing insulin resistance which are crucial elements for metabolic health.”

Free of heavy metals 
No symptoms demonstrating an accumulation of heavy metals were detected in the study participants. The scientists associate this with the low heavy metal content found in the beetroot extract used in the present study.

The researchers note that this study was necessary before investigating the efficacy of this dietary supplement in a larger sample of older people to detect changes in other health parameters, such as vascular function and muscle quality. Promoting the safety and efficacy of beetroot-based dietary supplements was also necessary.

Majeed explains: “While beet root extracts have been primarily been in focus for their benefits related to athletic performance, as source of nitrates, we have taken slightly different approach for exploring its health benefits related to cardiometabolic function including the insulin sensitivity in elderly population, with dosage at 10g taken twice daily by elderly population.”

“Several biochemical parameters like glucose, insulin, lipid profile, liver enzymes as well as hemodynamic parameters like systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were studied and showed a good safety profile.”

Meanwhile, Sabinsa’s president of European operations, Dr. Umar Jan, tells Nutrition Insight in an interview that the company will intensify its efforts in the European market in the coming years, focusing on postbiotics and brain health supplements.

In addition, Sabinsa showcased its weight management formulas at Food Ingredients Europe 2023. A clinical study on its 2.5% withanolides US Pharmacopeia grade Ashwagandha root ingredient Shagandha was also published for its stress management benefits.

By Inga de Jong